New Group Proposal - No Reconstruction post Breast Cancer Surgery
Hello members, We have had some great conversations and feedback recently in relation to starting a new group for people who have not had breast reconstruction following breast cancer surgery. I would love feedback in relation to the following questions: * Name of the group * Should the group be private or public When thinking of the name of the group we must ensure it captures people who for a variety of reasons and/or circumstances have not had breast reconstruction. Some of these reasons may be: they might decide they don’t want to have any more surgery than they need to treat the cancer; they want to be able to get back to their normal activities as soon as possible; they are just more comfortable with how they look and feel after the surgery; financial barriers prevent them from have breast reconstruction; breast reconstruction might be difficult, or even not possible, because of other health issues they have; breast reconstruction has been delayed. We agree that there are different challenges and questions faced by people who are either considering wearing a breast form or prosthesis (inside the bra or attached to the body to wear under their clothes) or going flat (not wearing a breast form). Look forward to your valuable input. (Tagging those who have been involved in starting the conversation so far @Christabel03 @Afraser @June1952 @TonyaM @Julez1958 @Fufan @Allyjay @Keeping_Positive1)
Trying to cope alone
Hi I have just been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and due for a operation on Frid 14th June. Trying to be positive with only good thoughts but it is hard doing this by myself. I am 59 yrs young, my son lives in WA and my mum has dementia. I have not told my mum yet until I get the results back from pathology. I do not have many close friends but I do have one friend who has let me know she will be there for me as a chauffer and companion too.
what to take to chemo treatments?
Ok so here is my question, I've had my mastectomy (healing well, thankyou), and now I'm about to start Chemo shortly, what do I take with me on the day? I've seen suggestions for 'chemo packs' and some seems practical and some seems over the top. If you've been through chemo, what did you find important to have with you? What could you have done without? What were you given that you were grateful for? I know lots of questions, but you should see the ones still swimming around in my head! Thanks in advance Sue
How can psychologists help?
Hey everyone, I am new to this community but I am eager to learn more. I am a provisional psychologist in Melbourne interested in helping people cope with the emotional difficulties that come with cancer. Whilst I am an outsider (I have not personally had cancer), I feel that the psychological side of cancer can often be neglected, especially during the survivorship period! (would you agree?) I have posted elsewhere on this forum, but please feel free to reply to this post and share your mental health journey with cancer to help me gain a better understanding of your personal experiences! Also, what should mental health professionals be doing differently? What are the barriers to accessing adequate mental health support? I am looking forward to your posts and further discussions :)sleep wear / Pyjamas for hospital
Ok what is one of the first things that a woman who goes into hospital does? Go and buy new sleep wear! Now I have to ask if 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer at some time in their life, why is it so hard to get appropriate PJs? Grrrrrr! So knowing how difficult it can be, I decided to share those that I have found. These are: * So soft and stretchy (doesn't snag drains or wound dressings, super soft on sensitive skin when the wound is healing and nerves firing * Baggy and easy fitting (believe me you don't want anything tight around your drain sites!) * Buttoned all the way down the front (easy to get into and to open up for wound checks) * Light weight (so you don't get over heated) * Easy pull on pants (lets face it, if you're going to have to put pants on with one hand, this is important)
Chemo and Guillain Barre Syndrome and r there any groups on Sunshine Coast, Coolum to Noosa Region?
Hi, I was only diagnosed with Breast cancer on 1 Aug and had a mastectomy plus 2 lymph nodes on 10 Aug with a further op on 16th to remove 15 more lymph nodes. Was diagnosed with Gr 3 multi focal DCIS, 5 tumours, largest 22mm in a cluster. total area 6 cm. Initially tested as triple negative but retesting shows 20% oestrogen dependent on one tumour and one lymph node. All that after having a negative breast screen exactly 12 months prior! It has been a frightening whirlwind of appointments, scans, biopsies, operations with the added fun of finding I was allergic to fentanyl and Cyclozine given during surgery. I am now facing the prospect of 6 mths chemotherapy starting on 13 October which I am not sure how my body is going to respond to as I had Guillain Barre Syndrome when I was 23 and it is a neurological shutdown of the nervous system in response to a virus in the body. Even having the flu shot can trigger it again. Has anyone else had Guillain Barre before chemotherapy or know of anyone who has? Am not sure if groups of people get together in certain regions? If so are there any groups or individuals who would like to link up on Sunshine Coast, especially Coolum to Noosa region? I would be grateful for any comments, Sirrah
